What is Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. It occurs in more than a million people each year, including many older people. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Of the three, melanoma is the most serious. Skin cancer occurs when abnormal cells form and multiply in an uncontrolled way in the epidermis, or abnormal cells from the epidermis invade the dermis of the skin. Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma are skin cancers that are named for the epidermal cells from which they develop.

Every cell in the body has a tightly regulated system that controls its growth, maturity, division and ultimately death. The blueprint of a cell’s function lies within the DNA of the cell. When there is damage to the DNA the cells begin to divide and grow without control. The mass of extra cells may produce a tumor that can be non-malignant or benign or non-cancerous. The tumor may also be cancer.

Skin cancer treatment depends on the type and stage of the disease. It also depends on the size and location of the tumor and the medical condition and personal choice of the patient. The aim of treatment is to remove the cancer completely. If detected early, skin cancers can be cured completely. In some cases the skin cancer can be removed completely during the biopsy. In such cases, no more treatment is needed.

Treatment options for skin cancers include surgery, chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, radiation therapy and biological therapy.

Basal cell carcinoma - These begin in parts of the skin that have been exposed to excessive harmful UV rays of the sun. These are slow-growing and rarely spread to other parts of the body. More than 90 percent of all skin cancers found in Americans are basal cell carcinomas.

Squamous cell carcinoma - These are also seen in areas exposed to excessive sunlight. These can also be found on parts of the skin not exposed to the sun. This type sometimes spreads to other organs inside the body.

Melanoma - This is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It commonly spreads to other major organs like liver, lungs, brain and bones. It is however much less common than the other types. Melanoma begins in melanocytes.